Stay True Collective – BBQ Potluck: A Dream Come True

Stay True Collective – BBQ Potluck: A Dream Come True

Some moments in life feel like they’ve been quietly growing in the background for years, waiting for the right time to bloom. For me, this BBQ potluck was one of them.

If you know me, you know that my love for adventure has always been a constant — from small-town road trips, to discovering hidden spots around my city, to taking two solo trips (one to Peru, one to Puerto Rico). But all these adventures have had one thing in common: my desire to share them with others. I’ve always been drawn to meeting new people, creating long-lasting friendships, and making memories that stick with you for life.

That’s exactly why I created the Stay True Collective a group for people who share my passion for connection, exploration, and authentic experiences. Honestly, when the idea first crossed my mind, I thought, There’s no way people will gravitate toward this. But just two months in, I was proven wrong. Our group chat had exploded to over 50 active members. Watching it grow so quickly, I realized it was time to take things offline and finally make one of my dream visions happen: bringing everyone together in person.

So, I dropped a message into the group chat:
"Hey guys, I think we should do a BBQ potluck style."

Within seconds, the replies started flooding in — excitement, thumbs-ups, and “I’m in!” messages. And just like that, the plan was set for a Sunday. Mind you, I sent the message on a Thursday… meaning we had barely three days to pull this thing together.

But that’s the magic of the Stay True Collective — when people share the same energy, things just happen. No overthinking, no endless planning. Just a bunch of people who love good food, good vibes, and the chance to connect.

Standing there at the BBQ, surrounded by new faces, old friends, and a table full of dishes that everyone had brought, I realized something: this wasn’t just a potluck. This was my dream coming to life. The vision I’d carried for years — of people coming together, sharing stories, laughing, and building memories — was right there in front of me.

And it’s only the beginning.

Stay True. Always.